A Study about the pattern of adverse effects of various oncology drugs in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North East India

Abstract

The aim of the study is to observe the pattern of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with the usage of various anti-cancer drugs in a tertiary care hospital of North East India. The study is a prospective, observational evaluation of the ADRs which was conducted over a period of 1 year. During the study period 59 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were analysed from which a total of 79 ADRs were identified and collected which occurred during and after the cancer treatment. Maximum cases of ADR recorded in the study are mucositis, respiratory disorder, neuropathy, constipation, itching etc. On causality assessment, it was observed that nearly 92% ADRs are considered as possible, 6% are probable and 2% are unlikely. Although, the reporting of ADR is very minimal by the healthcare professionals, this study focuses on the various common ADR associated with the use of anti-cancer agents in the treatment of cancer. The information from the study might be helpful in identifying and minimizing preventable ADRs, while enhancing the knowledge of the healthcare professionals to deal with them more efficiently. Hence the study was done to record and analyze the pattern of adverse drug reaction from oncology drugs.